28 September 2015

His Excellency Xi Jinping

President

People's Republic of China

Your Excellency,

    On behalf of the people of the Republic of Singapore, I would like to convey my warmest congratulations on the 66th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

    China's steady economic development has contributed to the peace and stability of our region and the world. As the world's second largest economy, China plays an important and active role on the international stage. I am confident that under your leadership, China would continue to make great strides.

    This year marks an important milestone in Singapore-China bilateral relations as we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. Over the years, our ties have deepened and broadened exponentially at all levels. Besides our Government-to-Government projects in the Suzhou Industrial Park and the Tianjin Eco-city, our multifaceted partnership includes cooperation in areas such as human resource development, financial services, social governance and sustainable development. People-to-people ties between our two countries continue to be close. Building on these strong foundations, our officials are working hard towards realising the upgrade of the China-Singapore Free Trade Agreement and on exploring a third Government-to-Government project in China's Western Region.

    I fondly recall the warm hospitality extended to me and my wife during my State Visit to China in July, and I look forward to welcoming you and Mdm Peng Liyuan on your first State Visit to Singapore later this year. As we usher in the next 25 years of friendship, I have every confidence that we will bring our bilateral relations to even greater heights.

    I wish the People's Republic of China continued peace and prosperity. My wife and I also wish you and Madam Peng continued good health and success.

Yours Sincerely,

TONY TAN KENG YAM